Gastrointestinal Cancer

Stomach cancer is characterized by a growth of cancerous cells within the lining of the stomach. Also called gastric cancer, this type of cancer is difficult to diagnose because most people typically don’t show symptoms in the earlier stages.

What causes stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer occurs when normally healthy cells within the upper digestive system become cancerous and grow out of control, forming a tumor. This process happens slowly. Stomach cancer tends to develop over many years.

Symptoms of stomach cancer:

Some of the most common symptoms of advanced stomach cancer are:

nausea and vomiting

frequent heartburn

loss of appetite, sometimes accompanied by sudden weight loss

constant bloating

early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount)

bloody stools

jaundice

excessive fatigue

stomach pain, which may be worse after meal

Treating stomach cancer

Traditionally, stomach cancer is treated with one or more of the following:

chemotherapy

radiation therapy

surgery

immunotherapy, such as vaccines and medication

Your exact treatment plan will depend on the origin and stage of the cancer. Age and overall health can also play a role.

Aside from treating cancer cells in the stomach, the goal of treatment is to prevent the cells from spreading. Stomach cancer, when left untreated, may spread to the: